23-08-2022, 10:48 PM
Based on your translation, it clearly would be an example of heraldic canting. Canting funtions like a rebus and it depends on the sound. Having the right sound means knowing the correct name in the relevant language.
Crequy heraldry is an example of such canting:
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
Without knowing the French word for 'cherry tree', the interpretation is lost. It's also a decent trick, without any fore-knowledge, to figure out exactly what that quasi-botanical charge (image) is in the first place. And once you know, it's a piece of cake.
Women, especially naked women, are not all that common in early heraldry, particularly when represented on the shield itself. They can occasionally be seen as supporters, but more often in crests, often when not on the actual insignia.
Despite the obvious visual similarities, women should not be confused with mermaids. The symbolism and the heraldic interpretations are different. Mermaids on shields are also uncommon, but is it canting? Or something nautical?
Crequy heraldry is an example of such canting:
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
Without knowing the French word for 'cherry tree', the interpretation is lost. It's also a decent trick, without any fore-knowledge, to figure out exactly what that quasi-botanical charge (image) is in the first place. And once you know, it's a piece of cake.
Women, especially naked women, are not all that common in early heraldry, particularly when represented on the shield itself. They can occasionally be seen as supporters, but more often in crests, often when not on the actual insignia.
Despite the obvious visual similarities, women should not be confused with mermaids. The symbolism and the heraldic interpretations are different. Mermaids on shields are also uncommon, but is it canting? Or something nautical?